Author
Topic: Buyer Beware - "Gary Benefield" (Read 1431 times)

I just wanted to warn folks that may be contacted by someone who claims to be "Gary Benefield" of Minden, Nevada on this forum (email garybennyfield@gmail.com.) He contacted me about a wanted to buy post I had made regarding some decorative end caps for the door pulls on my 1972 Eldorado. He stated that he had some available. We agreed on a purchase price and he requested I send via MoneyGram. I requested that he use PayPal or Venmo. He said he had some very bad problems with PayPal and refused to use them. He agreed to lower the fee to account for the transfer cost and I sent the money along. Since the time he received the funds, he has gone radio silent.

I should have known better, but I was being trusting as I have yet to have a poor experience on an enthusiast forum. That this falls in to the minority of experiences, I have no doubt. But I wanted to be certain I shared so no one else could be duped by this jerk.

Contact both your area and Minden to report to 'Internet crimes' division...advise to also report to Moneygram

I had an issue about a car sale, and when I reported to his area police, I was going to offer his address...the officers reply was "we know who he is" (and not in a good way). BTW: He was also a club member

Yes, I have filed a fraud claim with MoneyGram, Google (gmail account,) FBI Cybercrimes, and plan on filing with my bank and contacting authorities. I appreciate the suggestions! Hopefully I can get this worked out. It was less than $200, but I just hate having my trust taken advantage of.

I know what you mean. I have bought and sold a couple of things here... just a few. Both times I just sent from my end because they were on the forum. Now I admit they were low priced items and I did check to see how many posts they had, but mostly I just did it. I guess that's just the way of the world now.Too bad.Jeff

For what it is worth, there is actually a Gary Benefield in Minden, NV. I contacted him on Facebook and he said he was not the person who had emailed me regarding the Cadillac parts. So either someone is spoofing him or, well...

Guys, that's a crazy story. I grew up in Minden/Gardnerville, Nevada. The place has grown immensely the past 30 years. They do obviously have a sheriff's office, but doubtful that they have an internet crimes division. Always ask for a phone number and talk to the person before sending them money. Scammers usually won't give you their phone number while real sellers will. Good luck!